Use of the basins at the Water of Leith’s mouth is strongly contested. Tensions are raised because of inappropriate and controversial planning decisions. Planning applications for individual projects, threatening encroachment of the Water of Leith basins in a piecemeal fashion, make no sense. An overall local development plan and long-term vision for the area is essential. In addition, siltation poses an increasing flood risk that has led to flood insurance being denied to some residents and businesses.

The community needs access to easily available information concerning who owns what and where in the basins, risks posed and proposed plans affecting the community.

FOWLB is proposing a baseline study identifying the current state of rights, responsibilities, and tenure over the basins, with a special focus on flood risk, maintenance of the boats and quay walls. The study is intended to form a basis of discussion toward strengthened and representative management between residents, CEC Water of Leith 2000, Forth Ports and private developers.

The proposal is available through this Water of Leith Baseline link.

An opportunity to get funding for the study is available through Leith Chooses. People who live, work, study or volunteer in Leith are able to vote this and other projects on Saturday, March 3. Come along between 12 and 3 pm to the Leith Community Centre, Kirkgate, and vote in person. You can meet the applicants, hear/chat informally about all the great projects on offer, and then cast your votes for your favourites. Given the winter weather, check the venue will be open here.

If you can’t get to the Voting Day social event, you can vote online, from 3rd -10th March. You can browse online, but in order to actually vote, you need to log in with a unique voter ‘Access Code’. You can get a card with a unique Access Code on it, at any time from the Leith Library, the MacDonald Road Library, or from any of the £eith Chooses team. If you can’t get hold of an Access Code that way, you can email in and be issued (but not quite immediately) with an Access Code. The email address will not be live until voting opens on 3rd March.
Email: leithchooses@edinburgh.gov.uk